Is Salmon Good for Hemorrhoids? A Helpful Guide

Dealing with the burning, itching and bleeding of hemorrhoids can really put a damper on your day If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you likely want to know what foods will make you feel better or worse Salmon is often regarded as a healthy food choice. But is eating salmon beneficial if you have hemorrhoids?

In this article we’ll look at the pros and cons of eating salmon when you have swollen, inflamed hemorrhoids. We’ll explore how the nutrients in salmon may impact hemorrhoid symptoms, tips for preparing salmon safely and when you may need to avoid it.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Before looking at salmon, let’s review what exactly hemorrhoids are. Hemorrhoids refer to swollen veins located in the lowest part of the rectum and anus. They are sometimes also called piles.

There are two types of hemorrhoids:

• Internal – Veins swell on the inside lining of the rectum/anus. These are usually not visible.

• External – Veins swell near the anus opening. These are visible lumps and can be quite painful.

Hemorrhoids develop when there is increased pressure in the veins of the rectum and anus. Causes can include:

• Constipation and straining
• Diarrhea
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Sitting for long periods
• Low fiber diet
• Heavy lifting

Symptoms depend on the location but may include:

• Painless bleeding during bowel movements
• Itching or irritation around the anus
• Pain or discomfort during bowel movements
• Sensitive external lumps near the anus

Mild symptoms can often be treated at home with remedies and lifestyle changes. But severe hemorrhoids may require medical procedures.

Potential Benefits of Salmon for Hemorrhoids

So why might salmon be a smart choice when dealing with hemorrhoids? Let’s look at some of its nutritional qualities:

• Protein – Salmon provides 20-25 grams of protein per 3 ounce cooked serving. Protein is needed for healing hemorrhoids.

• Omega-3 fatty acids – Salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s like EPA and DHA. This may help reduce swelling.

• Vitamin D – Salmon is one of the few foods that provides vitamin D. This aids wound healing.

• B vitamins – Salmon has B12, B6, niacin and other B vitamins. These support immune health and cell regeneration.

• Minerals – Salmon contains selenium, phosphorus, iron and zinc for tissue repair.

So in theory, salmon’s stellar nutritional profile could help improve hemorrhoid symptoms and wound healing. But there are some important limitations to keep in mind.

Potential Drawbacks of Eating Salmon with Hemorrhoids

While salmon can provide beneficial nutrients, there are some potential drawbacks when you are experiencing hemorrhoid flair ups:

• High fat content – A 3 ounce serving of salmon has about 12 grams of fat. High fat foods can be difficult to digest and may worsen diarrhea if present.

• Can worsen inflammation – For some, omega-3s from fish can promote inflammation, especially in high amounts.

• May contain contaminants – Farmed salmon tend to have more PCBs, metals and other contaminants that should be avoided.

• Bones – Salmon bones can be harmful if consumed and can scrape the inflamed rectum during bowel movements.

So it’s important to choose your salmon wisely and limit portions when experiencing hemorrhoid symptoms.

Tips for Eating Salmon with Hemorrhoids

If you want to include salmon in your diet for hemorrhoids, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose wild-caught Alaskan salmon to limit contaminants. Or opt for low-mercury fish like tilapia or cod.

• Avoid salmon cooked in creamy, buttery sauces which will worsen diarrhea or constipation.

• Steaming, grilling or baking salmon is best. Fried preparations add more fat.

• Make sure any bones are removed before eating to prevent injury and irritation.

• Eat small 3-4 oz portions of salmon no more than 2-3 times per week. Too much may cause inflammation.

• Pair salmon with high fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains to prevent constipation.

• Stay well hydrated and incorporate probiotic foods to support gut health.

Being mindful of portions, preparation, and diet composition can allow you to incorporate salmon safely.

When to Avoid Salmon with Hemorrhoids

While salmon can be included in moderation, there are times it may worsen hemorrhoid symptoms:

• If you have diarrhea – The fat in salmon may aggravate diarrhea, causing more frequent, loose stools.

• If you have severe constipation – Salmon may make stools harder to pass, increasing your need to strain.

• If you have anal fissures – Salmon bones could further scrape or tear these delicate wounds.

• If you have an omega-3 allergy – Salmon may trigger inflammation instead of reducing it.

• If you are pregnant – Some doctors advise limiting fish high in mercury like salmon during pregnancy.

Listen to your body. If eating salmon seems to make your hemorrhoids worse, avoid it until you are healed.

Other Diet Tips for Hemorrhoids

Focusing on a high fiber diet is critical when you have hemorrhoids. Try to eat 25-35 grams of fiber daily. Good sources include:

• Fruits – pears, apples, oranges, bananas

• Vegetables – broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, artichokes

• Whole grains – oats, brown rice, whole grain bread

• Legumes – lentils, beans, chickpeas

• Nuts and seeds

Also make sure to stay hydrated with 8 glasses of fluids per day minimum. Water, herbal tea, vegetable juice and broths are best choices. Limit caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as these can worsen constipation.

And incorporate probiotics from yogurt, kefir, kimchi and other fermented foods to support your gut microbiome. A healthy gut helps prevent and heal hemorrhoids.

When to See a Doctor

While home care may help mild symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor if you have:

• Hemorrhoids that don’t improve after 1 week of home treatments

• Frequent bleeding from hemorrhoids

• Severe pain or swelling

• Signs of infection like fever, discharge or foul odor

Procedures like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy injections and surgery may be required for advanced hemorrhoid cases. Don’t delay seeking medical care if symptoms are concerning.

The Bottom Line

Salmon provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s, protein and nutrients that aid wound healing. In moderation, it can be included as part of a high fiber diet for hemorrhoids. But you may need to avoid it if you have severe diarrhea, constipation or bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. Speak to your doctor if symptoms persist or seem to worsen after eating salmon. With proper care, small dietary tweaks and medical treatment if needed, you can find relief from painful hemorrhoids.